I've been running in Adidas Ultraboost shoes that cost me 140 euros about 5 years ago and they still work fine, but I have friends who say you need to change them every 800 km. Is it true that expensive brands last longer or is it just marketing?
I have the same thing with my running shoes - they last way longer than what people say in forums. The 800 km thing is more of a recommendation to avoid injuries than about durability, because after that much use the cushioning starts to lose its properties even if the sole is still intact. Expensive brands do tend to use better materials in the midsole and hold up better to that gradual wear, but if your Adidas are still going strong after 5 years it's either because you don't run much or you just took care of them. You don't need to drop 180-200 euros on new ones if the ones you have don't hurt your feet - marketing plays a huge role here.
Expensive running shoes don't necessarily last longer in mileage, but what matters is that they maintain better cushioning for longer, which protects your joints. What a lot of people overlook is that wear depends a lot on your weight, running technique, and terrain - someone lighter running on smooth asphalt can get more kilometers out of them than someone heavier on uneven roads. The 800 km thing is more of a safety limit than actual lifespan, because the sole holds up but the internal gel or foam loses its properties. If your Ultraboosts still feel good to you, it's probably because you're not running high mileage, so don't feel pressured to replace them.
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